I love my sister … Weight Loss Challenge

We are in the 3rd week, and I am still struggling. I actually gained a pound. I was frustrated then I remembered, I shouldn’t have eaten that fried chicken Monday. But it was so good. Get back on track Tanya!!!!!! Stephanie is still struggling as well. We gave each other our usually pep talk this morning, and she is not discouraged. I’m proud of her because I truly thought she would have thrown in the towel by now. I guess she doesn’t want to give me her money.

Today, I was reading about tips to help you get over a plateau. I hope these work. I cannot lose.

• Beat your last workout - The quickest way to lose weight is by beating your last workout by pushing yourself more and more each time—even if by only a little bit. You will lose weight much faster than doing the same exact workout each day because your body won’t be used to what you are doing.

• Eat a little less - If you lost weight eating 1800 calories a day, then you may need to eat 1700 calories a day to break your plateau since your body needs fewer calories to maintain your new weight.

• Eat a little more - If you are eating around 1200 calories or below you may have to increase your intake to speed up your metabolism and get your body out of starvation mode.

• Track your calories correctly - If you are relying on a food journal, be sure you are tracking calories correctly and measuring everything. A mistake of even 200 calories per day could mean a big difference in your efforts.

• Exercise with more intensity or workout harder - If you always walk at 3.0 mph, try increasing the incline and walk at 3.5 mph. Other examples would be to do interval training, wear a weight vest, or use heavier weights when lifting.

• Change your routine every 2-4 weeks - Your body will get used to the same exercise if you never change anything and burn less calories. You need to trick your body into losing weight again by doing a new workout every 2-4 weeks (or even every week).

• Work out longer or more often - If you have limitations where you can’t work out harder, then you will need to work out longer or increase the frequency of your workouts.

• Work out twice a day - Keep your metabolism up by working out two times a day. Do a workout in the morning and at lunch or before and after work. You could also lift weights while watching TV or go on a walk or run before bedtime.

Please log in and post in the comments any helpful tips to help us through this challenge.